Monthly Archives: January 2013

Sport Bikes For Sale January 31, 2013 posted by
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Detective Work: 1997(?) Suzuki RGV250 VJ22

Update 1.31.2013: Back on eBay but with a dramatically lower opening bid of $5900. Links updated. -dc

Update 11.14.2012: Back on eBay a month later, now with a lower opening bid of $10k. Links updated. -dc

Another Lucky Strike RGV250 and another case of detective work needed.

Lets dive right in. Is this a 1997 RGV250 (VJ22) from the factory in Hammatsu? Absolutely not. Is this a Dream Machine spray out of the UK commissioned by the Suzuki importer there? I seriously doubt it. Lets start with the model year. All the parts indicate a 93-95 VJ22. Turn indicators are Euro spec so I’m ruling out a Japanese domestic bike. I’d lean towards a UK spec bike but they were imported to several European countries and Australia. The SAPC will give you more clues to the bikes country of import ( head over to rgv250.co.uk for the list of SAPC’s). So, for fun lets run with a UK bike. As you may know, the UK importer had some RGV’s sprayed in Lucky Strike colors by Dream Machine. As far as I know, those sprays were all of the earlier Lucky Strike design, not this later version.

The Lucky Strike paint is copied often but rarely done correctly. I would say this one falls into the average category. I’ve seen a lot worse. The official factory versions will have the blacked out frames to go with this paint scheme and they were 1994 models.

I’m not trying to embarrass anyone by pointing out what the bike is or is not but the fact is, sellers ask a premium for Lucky Strike versions and a buyer has the right to know what they are getting.

Once I got past the paint I have to admit it looks like a decent example of a VJ22. There are very few modifications and the pictures don’t indicate much corrosion, scratches or dents. What is missing are the big questions buyers usually have with these bikes. Is it titled? Is it running on injection or premix? Is it in restricted form? If I remember correctly German VJ22’s were restricted but not to the extent as the Japanese domestic market bikes.

If the mileage is legit, it is extremely low mile. Do UK spec RGV speedo’s go up to 150MPH?

I know I focused on what this bike is not but overall it could end up being a really nice find if you can get a few more questions answered on it.

There is actually on last problem. The seller is asking a very steep premium. I’ll let you click on the auction to see the starting bid. Make sure you are sitting down and have oxygen handy.

Here it is.

Ian

Ducati January 31, 2013 posted by
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End of January Mailbag [NSR250 MC21, 996 SPS, H2 750, ZX-7]

Here are our picks for the week. While not every suggestion will make it, we thank you for another great week of submissions. Thanks for your emails!

dc

James has his restored 1992 Honda NSR250 MC21 on Santa Barbara Craigslist for $9500. Great looking ride, good luck with the sale!

1992 Honda NSR250 MC21 For Sale

Next up is this 1999 Ducati 996 SPS in Scottsdale. Current bid on eBay is $10800 reserve not met.

1999 Ducati 996SPS For Sale

Gregg spotted this stunning 1973 Kawasaki H2 750 Radical Cafe Racer. Available on San Diego Craigslist for $13500.

1973 Kawasaki H2 750 For Sale

Jeremy sent us over a dozen picks but we rather like the ZX-7’s this week and this 94 looks like another great example. This one is located in San Francisco with just 12k miles and only a $3k ask, this looks like a great buy considering the seller states it’s never been dropped!

1994 Kawasaki ZX-7 For Sale

dc

Honda January 30, 2013 posted by
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Last Minute Survivor Spots by Doug [ZX-7R, VTR250 JDM, GSX-R 750]

I woke up to an email from our old pal Doug (RSBFS Alumni Extraordinaire) this morning with the following selections. All these auctions end soon so act quickly.

And if you haven’t checked it out yet, see what Doug is up to these days here: http://dougdurhamphoto.com

Thanks Doug!

dc

First up is one of Doug’s favorites, a ZX-7R K1 with about 10k miles. Auction ends in about a day starting at $3600 with no bids.

1991 Kawasaki ZX-7R For Sale

Next is this 1998 Honda VTR250. It’s a JDM machine that features a trellis frame and has a Florida plate. Current bid is just over $1600 reserve not met with a day or so remaining.

$(KGrHqV,!qEFC)ZDus3!BR!TJVCCNg~~60_12

His last pick is this 1992 Suzuki GSX-R 750 with just 10k miles. Current bid is $2125 reserve not met with a day remaining.

1992 Suzuki GSX-R 750 For Sale

Kawasaki January 30, 2013 posted by
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Palm Trees and Ninjas: 1995 Kawasaki ZX-7

Boca Raton, FL – 16,500mi – $1,800 No Reserve

1995ZX7_3

Couldn’t make it to the Midwest for the last Ninja? Well here is a crack at another, and shinier, Ninja all the way down in Florida. This mid-90’s example of a ZX-7 will have you riding in style like Zach Morris on his way to the College Years. Yes the frame has been polished, which will definitely turn some of you away who are looking for a bone stock example. But the sound of that Kawi-correct Muzzy exhaust might draw you back for a second look.

1995ZX7_1

From the seller:

You are bidding on a 1995 Kawasaki Ninja 750 ZX7 –

Bike has all original plastics Muzzy Exhaust and Second Look Seat. The purple vinyl on the seat cover is faded and sun bleached. The fairings are in excellent shape for its age and only have a few faint scratches that cannot be seen from a few feet away.

The frame is polished, has brand new spark plugs, and brand new battery, tires are in good shape…runs great.

Do not miss out…not many left in this shape. High bidder gets the bike. Bike is for sale locally.

Please email any questions you may have prior to bidding.

So this might not be the cleanest and most original example of an early ZX-7, but with only 16k miles on the odometer, it is low in mileage and not a beat-up, re-sprayed hunk of garbage like most that I see. Let not forget the best part, it’s only at $1,800 in bidding right now with no reserve. That means that this one is finding a new owner in a couple of days. If your retirement plans include getting that condo in Boca, then cruising some sweet 90’s style, then this ZX-7 might be up your alley. Jump on over to the auction here and make this rad bike yours!

-JS

Honda January 28, 2013 posted by
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Spotted! 1993 Honda NSR250SE MC21 in New Mexico!

NSR250_1

Two stroke smoke is in the air! 2013 has certainly started with a bang given the number of great smokers we have seen in the past few weeks. Here is another one to consider; while not stock, it does look very clean and sports a New Mexico title. Consider the following photos:

NSR250_5

From the seller:
This bike started off as a very used stock NSR250SE MC21. It is now the beautiful bike in the photos. Kept in temperature controlled garage. Only about 8 miles on it after rebuild and paint.

Body, rearsets, expansion chambers are TYGA. Front end and triple clamp is 1993 Honda RS250. Powder coated front Marchesini magnesium rim. Full Brembo. Iron rotors. All new bearings. Reduced steering lock from stock due to reduced triple clamp offset.
Trailtech digital display. New Honda RS250 coils and leads. Wire splice mod done.
Brembo radial front master cylinder. New CRG clutch perch. POR-15 coated tank.
Excellent condition Honda RS250 radiator with electric water pump, silicone hoses, Guhl thermostat.

Stock, completely rebuilt carbs with HRC jet kit, UNI foam filters.
Engine, transmission, and clutch completely rebuilt with new parts and RS250 lower cylinder head conversion. Stock and RS250 plugs and caps. Crank has new bearings, thrust washers, shot peened and balanced pistons and rods. New rod bearings.
All brake calipers rebuilt with new seals. Stock powder coated, widened rear wheel with new bearings. AFAM sprocket. Regina chain. Both new.

Enough parts to build a second engine, including transmission, clutch assembly, completely rebuilt, zero miles crank with shot peened rods. Various new gaskets, bearings, and seals. Spare PGMIII. This bike uses premix. No oil injection system.
Registered and titled in New Mexico.

Check your state laws regarding registration and titling of this vehicle before purchase.

NSR250_11

NSR250_12

NSR250_6

If oil can be referred to as “black gold” then surely the market should start to refer to these two strokes as “smokey gold.” Prices are definitely on the move, with stakes on the rise for top-level examples of the breed. This bike – while not stock – seems to qualify as per the pictures. The starting bid is set at $9,000 with no takers at the time of writing, so if you want to make ring-a-ding noises in the new year you’d better come with a full wallet. Check out the pictures and details and let us know what you think!

NSR250_3

MI

Buell January 28, 2013 posted by
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They Don’t Have To Be Old: 2012 Erik Buell Racing 1190RS Carbon Edition

rs logo

rs carbon

Yeah, I drove into the ultra plush RSBFS offices in my Suzuki Samurai listening to New Order but that doesn’t mean we are stuck in the late 80’s/early 90’s here at RSBFS.  This 2012 American made beauty is one of 100 ERB 1190RS’s and only a few of those were done as Carbon Editions.  The Carbon Edition is a $4000 upgrade over the standards $39,999 price tag.  For that price tag you are getting a bike, once race tuned, that was a regular top five finisher in AMA racing (well, there is that part of actually having someone skilled enough to twist the throttle too).

rs right

Can someone explain why I don’t hear about Erik Buell in the non-motorcycle media?  Why is his story not on CNBC or featured on Money.com?  He definitely got the ass end of the American dream working with Harley Davidson.  The good news is it looks like has come out the other side in good shape and building for the future and maybe his best motorcycle to date.

If you’d like specs, info and  colors click right here for the EBR website.

Enjoy some American motorcycle porn.

rs left low

rs cockpit

rs rear

rs seatThat says race bike and sore butt.

rs muffler

Somebody at EBR remembers two strokes.  This is all ditched on the race bikes.

rs brake

I guess with only one disc you better keep it cool.

rs right rear

We all know carbon isn’t cheap; the asking price is $44,995 which is basically MSRP.

You can see the listing on eBay right here.

Ian

Sport Bikes For Sale January 27, 2013 posted by
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CA Titled 1998 Suzuki RGV250SP VJ23

sp right front

I’d imagine anyone in the market for a titled two stroke has liked what they have seen as of late.  We’ve featured a mighty fine NSR250 (also CA titled) and a spudrific (Idaho titled) TZR250 in the past couple of weeks.  According to the sellers info it looks like we have another winner with this RGV250SP.

sp right

Yes and yes to the questions in your head:  it is titled and derestricted.  Well the owner must have enjoyed the hell out of this thing on the CA mountain roads right?  Well, maybe not, it only has 1800 miles on it.  The owner says it spent most of its days in a living room.

sp engine

Looks like she is running on premix as it has the kit block off plate where the oil pump should be.  The seller states he has the oil injection parts.  I’d ask the seller what full power SAPC the bike is running.  Unless it was the full power V model SAPC a lot of guys didn’t trust the other racing SAPC’s to run the oil injection system.

What’s been upgraded on the bike:

COMPLETELY DERESTRICTED- FULL POWER, APPROXIMATELY 60HP.

$170.00 BRAND NEW  DID ERV2 ROAD RACE X-RING GOLD CHAIN

$1300.00 RARE UNAVAILABLE OHLINS SHOCK

$400.00 RACE TECH REVALVED FORKS (SUSPENSION SET FOR 185-200 LBS RIDER)

$1200.00 SUGAYA PIPES

$300.00 JOLLY MOTO CARBON FIBER SILINCERS

$100.00 BRAIDED FRONT BRAKE LINES

$800.00 FULL POWER SAPC

NEWER PILOT POWERS TIRES – 300 MILES

BEEN STORED IN A LIVING ROOM MOST ITS LIFE

USA – CA PLATED CORRECTLY WITH ACTUAL VIN

CLEAN TITLE

PAPERWORK IN HAND.

sp sugaya

Don’t be upset if the rear belly pan is cut.  It is necessary to make the racing Sugaya’s fit.  Sugaya’s street versions fit without the mod.

sp ohlins

The Ohlins must be quite an upgrade from the stock Suzuki unit.  Hangers are custom units.

sp left

The bike is listed as a classified ad with a price tag of $9,975.  My first reaction is that this will sell quickly at this price but the last CA titled 23 we featured has made me wonder.  It was listed for a couple grand more (but was completely stock) and was relisted several times.  I wonder if the market has softened just a bit for my favorite bike?

By the way, I forgot to mention the year of the bike.   The seller has the bike listed as a 1998.  For the buyers out there, almost all the VJ23’s were produced in a production run in 1996.  They went over in Japan like a led balloon and did not sell well.  The naked bike  craze was taking over.  Some sat in dealerships into the 97 and 98 model years.  What I’m trying to say is they are all the same bike.  Let’s see if my RGV forum buddy Alan chimes in with the production run stats as he has researched the complete run of 23’s.

Here is the listing.

Ian

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